Synoptic Gospels Chapter 6 Jesus was Gods most

Synoptic Gospels Chapter 6 Jesus was God’s most perfect revelation? What types of attributes would you give Jesus?

JESUS The four Gospels are our primary source of information about Jesus. “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ. ” ~ St. Jerome

The Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke Synoptikos: “seen together” They have much in common and differ significantly from the Gospel of John.

• Traditionally, Matthew was believed to be the first Gospel written. • However, later biblical scholarship led most to believe that Mark was written first. • Matthew and Luke “improve” difficult passages in Mark.

What does “Gospel” mean? § Gospel: “Good News” § The very life of Jesus Christ is the Good News of God’s love and Salvation for all. § Preaching about Jesus § Four written versions of the Good News; each evangelist proclaims in their own unique way the “Good News”

Q • Unknown source • German “quelle” meaning source • Matthew and Luke used this source • Probably collection of sayings that came down

M&L • Matthew had his own original sources besides Q and Mark. • We call that source M • Luke also had his own besides Q and Mark • We call that source L

Gospel of Mark • Date: ~67 -73 AD • Audience: Non. Jewish, Gentile Christians who were undergoing persecution • Begins with Baptism • Theme: following Jesus often means that a Christian must suffer like Jesus did

The Son of God Became Man “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ (the Son of God)” (Mk 1: 1) Mark stresses Jesus’ humanity throughout his Gospel. Mark teaches that Jesus is the Son of God who assumed human nature.

Mark’s Titles for Jesus • Christ—Messiah “anointed one” • Son of Man • Suffering Servant • Jesus was reluctant to reveal his identity because his concept of the “anointed one” was radically different from that of his people and disciples. • Even suffering Christians can celebrate the Good News because Jesus brings eternal life.

The Gospel of Matthew • Date: sometime in the 80’s • Author: Jewish scribe • Audience: Jewish Christians • Begins with Abraham • Theme: Jesus Christ —Emmanuel (“God is with us”)—is the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament

Jesus as the New Moses Matthew presents Jesus as the New Moses His sermons reveal Jesus as a great teacher Matthew strives to show that Jesus Christ fulfills all of God’s promises to the Chosen People and through them to all people.

Gospel of Luke • Date: ~ 75 -90 AD • Author: a Gentile Christian with some attraction to Judaism; also wrote Acts of the Apostles; highly polished writing style • Audience: largely Gentile Christians • Starts with Adam • Theme: the city of Jerusalem is an important symbol; the drama of Salvation unfolds there

Jesus’ Messages in Luke Jesus’ Message of Joy Jesus is for everyone • Heart of Luke includes parables that highlight God’s forgiveness • “I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents” • Jesus’ compassion is a divine sign of healing love • Jesus sought out people who were considered “outcasts” • Jesus is everyone’s compassionate Savior • We should allow Jesus to live in us so we can love everyone in imitation of our Lord

The Early Life of Christ Mysterion: God’s saving plan unfolded in history God who is mystery is the very same God who revealed himself in human history. Everything about Jesus reveals God as infinitely loving and merciful.

Early Life of Christ Jesus’ Birth • Matthew and Luke contain infancy narratives • Highlight Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (foster father) • Mary: a virgin, conceived of the Holy Spirit • The stories reveal more about Jesus and his mission Circumcision and Presentation in the Temple • Jesus’ circumcision incorporated him into the Chosen People. • Example of humility • Jesus is God’s only Son • Old prophets Simeon and Anna recognize him as the Messiah.

The Magi, Flight into Egypt, and Herod’s Slaughter of the Innocents • The Epiphany celebrates the mystery of Christ’s manifestation as the Savior of the world. • The visit of the Magi (wise men) • God revealing Himself to humanity • The Holy Family’s flight into Egypt reveals how God protected Him from evil. • Jesus was up against evil forces from the beginning.

The Hidden Years • Jesus lived a life of humble obedience in Nazareth. • Contrasts with Adam’s disobedience • Learned Jewish faith from his parents • Jesus’ humility teaches us how to pray, live, and witness to our faith.

Followers of Jesus His life-giving words and marvelous deeds inevitably drew disciples to him!

After a night of prayer Skilled in an area Humble Backgrounds 12 Apostles Jesus selected the Twelve Apostles (from the word “send”) to assist him in his work. Jesus chose the Apostles. He taught on his own authority.

Jesus’ Public Life Baptism by John the Baptist • By his submission to John’s baptism, Jesus again displayed his humility. • All Three Persons of the Blessed Trinity are Jesus in the scene. Temptation in the Desert • Satan tempted Jesus three times during his forty-day retreat in the desert. • Foreshadowed his victory over sin and Satan • True love often requires sacrifice.

Jesus Proclaims the Gospel “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe the gospel. ”

Jesus’ Message • “Many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. ” (Mt 19: 30) • Unconditional love for the poor and needy • The sick, women, foreigners, children, sinners, marginalized (lepers)

Jesus’ Miracles • Mighty works, wonders, and signs revealed that God’s Kingdom was present in his very person. • Purpose was to show Jesus’ power over sin • Not to say there will be no more suffering though

Paschal Mystery • Passion, Death, Resurrection, Ascension • Paschal Mystery rescued humanity from sin and death. • Jesus is Risen!

Transfiguration • Jesus conversing with God • Became illuminated • Moses and Elijah appear • Holy Spirit in the shining cloud • Peter, James, and John were there to see.